change at home or pay for service?

Well.....I apparently have missed the boat on that one. It is apparently not bad for the environment at all when fed into a properly designed combustion chamber.
If that is the case, which it is according to some sites I've looked at.
I've even been looking at plans to build my own....then I wouldn't have to cut down any more trees...hmmmm. Who'da thunk it?
The things I've learned here........

I take my used motor oil to a local farmer who uses it as fuel oil. I figure the motor oil more than likely burns cleaner and better than the preheated sludge that super tankers and cargo ships use for fuel.

__________________
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." (Thomas Jefferson)

I change my own oil. The local Ford Dealerships run specials, but it only includes 5qts of oil. So there is an instant up-sell for them. I've never been impressed with their speed either. If I have an option to sit in their waiting room for 60-90 minutes or do it myself, I'd rather be monkeying around in my garage while I wait for the oil to drain.

I tried to use the local oil-change shops in the past. They would consistently use the wrong oil and get their oily hands all over my hood and leather interior (and not clean it up).

Since I work three blocks away from PartGuyEd and enjoy doing the work (man time), I prefer to change my own oil.

I change my own oil. The local Ford Dealerships run specials, but it only includes 5qts of oil. So there is an instant up-sell for them. I've never been impressed with their speed either. If I have an option to sit in their waiting room for 60-90 minutes or do it myself, I'd rather be monkeying around in my garage while I wait for the oil to drain.

I tried to use the local oil-change shops in the past. They would consistently use the wrong oil and get their oily hands all over my hood and leather interior (and not clean it up).

Since I work three blocks away from PartGuyEd and enjoy doing the work (man time), I prefer to change my own oil.

If they put the wrong oil in you engine and something breaks it will void the warranty and good luck getting a cheap-o-change shop to take responsibility. I had warranty work done on a Ford engine and that was the first thing they checked.

If they put the wrong oil in you engine and something breaks it will void the warranty and good luck getting a cheap-o-change shop to take responsibility. I had warranty work done on a Ford engine and that was the first thing they checked.

How did they check and what was the nature of the failure? Ive always wondered if used oil analysis was used in such situations. You certainly cannot tell if the wrong SAE grade is in there by just looking and feeling. The viscosity is measured in the lab at the temperature of boiling water.

They can (and do) ask for receipts to prove you at least purchased the oil. And believe me, if it was an oil induced failure, they will look closely for the type of oil purchased on that receipt too. I write when and what I did in the driveway in my owners manual.... in the back, they have space for that, then put the receipt for oil/filters/etc in the same packet and put it back in the passenger side door pocket.

How did they check and what was the nature of the failure? Ive always wondered if used oil analysis was used in such situations. You certainly cannot tell if the wrong SAE grade is in there by just looking and feeling. The viscosity is measured in the lab at the temperature of boiling water.

I dealt with the service manager and that's what he told me, how they check it I don't know I should have ask.

They can (and do) ask for receipts to prove you at least purchased the oil. And believe me, if it was an oil induced failure, they will look closely for the type of oil purchased on that receipt too. I write when and what I did in the driveway in my owners manual.... in the back, they have space for that, then put the receipt for oil/filters/etc in the same packet and put it back in the passenger side door pocket.

Always a good Idea to keep receipts. I do the same thing, but just keep a file in the house. I indicate the mileage and brand of oil used for the change(Mobil 1 of course). This is also valuable to show to a potential future owner should you ever decide to sell. I know when I'm looking at purchasing a vehicle, I always ask if they have maintenance records and/or receipts.

Always a good Idea to keep receipts. I do the same thing, but just keep a file in the house. I indicate the mileage and brand of oil used for the change(Mobil 1 of course). This is also valuable to show to a potential future owner should you ever decide to sell. I know when I'm looking at purchasing a vehicle, I always ask if they have maintenance records and/or receipts.

Certainly good record keeping is a good practice but in the event of a warranty claim something methodical could go a long, long way to make the impression good and regular maintenance has been performed.

With computers creating a separate spread sheet type file along with a cross reference of invoice or receipt dates along with a separate file of receipt/invoice hard copies might be helpful as well.

I think having the hard copies is not just helpful, but rather necessary since that is the proof.
I keep all maintenance & parts receipts in chronological order which I think is sufficient. I put mileage on all receipts, not just the oil. I think that would be more than sufficient for a dealer as well. How would putting the same info on a spreadsheet indicate that you've done a better job of maintaining your vehicle?...it's the same info.
I suppose if you have the free time to put it onto a spreadsheet you could, but I don't see the point. What would you be cross referencing? I think you would need database software for that anyway.

I suppose if you have the free time to put it onto a spreadsheet you could, but I don't see the point. What would you be cross referencing? I think you would need database software for that anyway.

Well sorry if it came across I had a better idea, one that would serve any possible warranty claim better than your own system. I simply meant to suggest a second file MIGHT be helpful since receipts get lost or damaged etc etc. Back up files are just good record keeping regardless how its done.

On the other hand most MS Windows OS's tend to have simple spreadsheet programs onboard and its an easy thing to add your own data as repairs and maintenance occurs.

This forum is owned and operated by Internet Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation. It is not authorized or endorsed by the Ford Motor Company and is not affiliated with the Ford Motor Company or its related companies in any way. Ford® is a registered trademark of the Ford Motor Company.